Public servants told to treat accountability as mandatory duty
Okiria said accountability is both a constitutional and ethical obligation for every public servant and should guide the way officials exercise authority, make decisions and manage Government resources.
The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, has urged Ministry of Public Service staff to embrace accountability as a mandatory duty. (Courtesy photo)
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The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, has urged Ministry of Public Service staff to embrace accountability as a mandatory duty, stressing that public officials must account for their decisions and use of public resources.
Okiria said accountability is both a constitutional and ethical obligation for every public servant and should guide the way officials exercise authority, make decisions and manage Government resources.
She made the remarks on September 9, 2026, while delivering a keynote address on “Transparency and Integrity” during the Ministry of Public Service Annual Staff Baraza held at the National Records and Archives Centre in Kampala.
Okiria urged the staff to make accountability a cornerstone of public service, saying doing so would strengthen citizens’ trust in Government and improve service delivery.
The Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr Patricia Achan Okiria, has urged Ministry of Public Service staff to embrace accountability as a mandatory duty. (Courtesy photo)
According to Okiria, accountability in public service revolves around the decisions officials make, the authority they exercise and the manner in which they use public resources.
She, therefore, said accountability should be at the heart of Government operations, particularly at a time when the Government, through anti-corruption agencies such as the Inspectorate of Government, is stepping up efforts to protect public resources and improve service delivery.
Okiria observed that citizens judge Government by whether medicines are available in health centres, skilled personnel are present, children receive quality education and roads are maintained.
She also stressed the importance of how public officials treat citizens, saying every interaction should be an opportunity to build confidence in the State rather than undermine it.
Okiria warned public servants against the misuse or diversion of Government resources, emphasising that public funds must only be spent for authorised purposes and supported by proper documentation.
“Government funds should be spent only for authorised purposes, properly supported by documentation, accurately recorded and transparently accounted for,” she said.
She urged the officials to ensure that the lessons from the Baraza translate into their daily work.
“The reflections from this engagement should therefore go beyond this Baraza. They should inform how each of us exercises authority, manages public resources, interacts with citizens and delivers results,” she said.
The Minister for Public Service, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, called on ministry staff to embrace teamwork, saying the success of Government institutions depends on employees working together towards common goals.
“Success comes when all of us work together. So, when we deliver results, we win as one team,” Wamala said.
He also urged staff to maintain professionalism and respect one another regardless of rank.
The Baraza was attended by public service state minister Lydia Wanyoto Mutende; former public service minister Muruli Mukasa; and the Bunyoro affairs state minister Grace Mugasa, who previously served as public service state minister.